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Management
The International Aviation Management Conference (IAMC) provides a global platform where aviation management professionals, from both the industry and the academia, come together to discuss key strategic issues facing the industry and present contemporary research findings.
Theme
Digital Transformation in Aviation: The Future of Innovation and Efficiency
Venue
Emirates Aviation University, Dubai, UAE
Date
16 - 17th November 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Papers Announcement | 1st August 2025 |
| Paper Submission Deadline | 10th July 2026 |
| Acceptance Notification | 20th July 2026 |
| Final Paper Deadline and Author Registration | 5th October 2026 |
| Conference | 16-17th November 2026 |
For further information, please email us at IAMC2026@eau.ac.ae
The 6th International Aviation Management Conference (IAMC – 2026) is the premier forum for the presentation of new advances and research results in the field of aviation management. IAMC-2026 will focus on the dynamic wave of digital transformation reshaping the aviation industry. As emerging technologies revolutionise operations, management, and the passenger experience, IAMC-2026 will provide a platform for researchers, industry professionals, and experts to share and discuss their insights on these developments. The theme for IAMC-2026 is: 'Digital Transformation in Aviation: The Future of Innovation and Efficiency’.
Digital Transformation in Aviation
Human Factors in Aviation
Technological Innovations and Implications
Aviation Safety and Security
Aviation Technology Advancements
Aviation Law and Regulations
Digital Technologies in Aviation
Air Transport Policy and Regulation
AI Applications in Aviation
Regulatory Landscape in Aviation
Data Analytics for Operational Efficiency
Regulatory Challenges in Emerging Technologies
Airline Operations and Management
Future of Urban Air Mobility
Air Traffic Management Innovations
Biofuels and Green Initiatives
Air Cargo Logistics and Sustainability
Aviation and the Sustainable Development Goals
Aviation Management and Strategy
Aviation Tourism
Aviation Finance and Economics
Women in Aviation
All accepted papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings, which will be distributed to all the delegates during the Conference.
Selected IAMC-2026 papers will be published by a reputable academic publisher in a post-conference proceedings volume. Join us in this enlightening conference as we delve into the cutting-edge developments shaping the aviation industry. Your contributions are vital in fostering a deeper understanding of aviation industry challenges and opportunities. We look forward to your participation in this intellectually stimulating and informative event.
Prospective authors are invited to submit full text papers including results, tables, figures and references. Papers (in .doc format) should be submitted through the following link: Closed. All submitted articles should report original, previously unpublished research results, experimental or theoretical. Articles submitted to the Conference should meet these criteria and must not be under consideration for publication elsewhere. Manuscripts should follow the style of the Conference and will be reviewed by at least two members of the Scientific committee.
Paper acceptance will be based on appropriateness of topic, novelty and quality. All accepted papers will be published in the Conference Proceeding, which will be distributed to all the delegates.
Each paper is limited to 7 pages. Additional pages will be charged (50 USD per extra page). Please follow the IAMC-2026 Paper Template below.
Plagiarism, in which one misrepresents ideas, words, computer codes or other creative expression as one’s own, is a clear violation of ethical principles. Plagiarism can also represent a violation of copyright law. All authors are deemed to be individually and collectively responsible for the content of papers submitted to the Conference. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each author to ensure that papers submitted to the Conference attain the highest ethical standards with respect to plagiarism.
| Registration Category | Early Bird* (until 31 July 2026) | Normal* (from 1 August 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (Professionals and Academics) | USD 400 / AED 1,470 | USD 500 / AED 1,840 |
| Students | USD 200 / AED 735 | USD 300 / AED 1,100 |
*All prices quoted will be subject to 5% VAT.
Registration includes: presentation of accepted abstracts (for authors) or attendance to conference sessions (for listeners), conference book of abstracts, the conference programme, a name tag, access to working lunches and coffee breaks, a small handbag and one invitation to the gala dinner.
Please complete one of the applicable Author or Listener registration forms below:
Use one of the below links if you are an Academic/Professional
Use one of the below links if you are a Student (A proof of current valid student status will be required prior to registration)
Please note that failure to verify your current status as a student would result in the cancellation of registration. Fees paid will not be refunded.
In registering for the conference, you agree that the Conference Committees do not accept any liability. If you are planning to attend the conference, a visa may be required and you should contact the nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate for more information. You will also need to make your own arrangements in respect to health and travel insurance.
If a registered participant cannot attend the Conference, a substitute colleague can be accepted. However, if a cancellation is required, we regret that no refunds can be made after registration.
Talal Al Hammadi is the Vice President of Air Traffic Development at Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), where he oversees three strategic domains: Airspace Management, Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), and Organizational Research & Development. With extensive expertise in aviation and airspace design, Talal has been a driving force behind transformative initiatives that continue to shape the UAE’s aviation future.
His leadership has been central to the successful delivery of landmark projects such as the UAE Airspace Restructuring Project (ARP), the RECAT initiative, the establishment of the Airspace Management Cell (AMC), and the development of complex airspace procedures for major national milestones including the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), EXPO 2020, and COP28.
Prior to joining dans in 2015, Talal served 11 years at the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as Head of Airspace Coordination. In that role, he was responsible for designing airspace routes and regulatory frameworks, and he represented the UAE on the global stage as a member of ICAO’s Instrument Flight Procedures Panel in Montreal, contributing to international flight procedures and policy development.
Throughout his career, Talal has been recognized for his exceptional contributions, receiving a Federal Government Certificate of Excellence as well as a Certificate of Appreciation for his pivotal role in the UAE Airspace Restructuring Project.
Beyond aviation, Talal brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective, having served eight years as a police officer with the Sharjah Police. This diverse background in public service, security, and aviation underscores his ability to lead with both operational rigor and strategic vision. Today, Talal continues to advance innovation and operational excellence in aviation, spearheading research and development, driving the integration of emerging UTM systems, and reimagining airspace management to meet the demands of tomorrow’s skies.
Dr. Bijan Vasigh is the President and Founder of Aviation Consulting Group and a Professor of Economics and Finance in the College of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He has extensive experience working with domestic and international law firms as an expert consultant and expert witness in complex matters involving air transport economics, aviation finance, asset valuation, and regulatory policy.
Dr. Vasigh has served as a member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force of Trinidad and Tobago, where he led the investigation into the sale of seven Heathrow Airport slots previously held by British West Indies Airways (BWIA).
His consulting and academic work focuses on the theory, modeling, and practical application of financial instruments in transportation and aviation finance. In his role as an expert witness and consultant, Dr. Vasigh has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes litigation, arbitration, and regulatory proceedings.
Dr. Vasigh is the author of several leading aviation economics and finance textbooks widely used across North America, including An Introduction to Air Transport Economics: From Theory to Application, Foundations of Airline Finance: Methodology and Practices, and Aircraft Valuation in Volatile Market Conditions.
His research and professional activities have resulted in formal collaborations with numerous domestic and international organizations and government agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Training and Development Institute, and NASA. At NASA, he participated in a grant focused on the determination of statewide economic benefits of the Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS).
Dr. Vasigh is a widely recognized authority in aviation economics and finance and has been frequently interviewed and cited by national and international media outlets, including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, CBS News, USA Today, Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, NPR’s Marketplace, Voice of Russia, El País (Spain), Rzeczpospolita (Poland), Trinidad Express, Cuba News, and The Guardian (United Kingdom).
Kashif Khalid is Director OSS Affairs covering Americas, Europe, Africa & Middle East and Asia-Pacific for IATA’s Operations, Safety & Security division, which has a core focus on Airports, Infrastructure & Customer Experience, Safety, Flight Operations, Cargo, Ground Operations, Security & Facilitation, providing leadership and support to IATAs regional agenda, as well as advocacy with stakeholders to further IATA’s mission, projects, strategic partnerships, and industry standards.
Formerly he was Head of Assets & Acquisitions at Abu Dhabi Airports, leading the Global Airport development and M&A function for the UAE Government entity and its Sovereign Wealth Fund as well as the development, innovation, sustainability, and operations strategy for the UAE Airports portfolio.
He has advised global Airports, Governments and Airport Investors/Operators on both Greenfield and brownfield development projects, Operations Strategy, Commercial-Nonaeronautical revenue development, privatizations, public private partnerships in airports and associated infrastructure projects and concessions.
Earlier on in his professional career he has had the privilege of holding several senior executive positions in Aviation with Dubai Government, Abu Dhabi Government, Citi, and British Airways.
Kashif graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York Tech in International Business & Economics and holds an MS-IB as well from New York, USA. His professional credentials include an advanced degree in Airport Planning and Finance, IAP – International Airports Professional and the ACI - Airport Executive Leadership program (AELP). He is also a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (MRAeS)
Dr. Selda Konukcu is a global aerospace and technology executive with over 20 years of international leadership experience across commercial aviation, digital transformation, and industrial sectors. She currently serves as Senior Director of Commercial Aircraft Sales at Airbus, leading strategic airline accounts across the Middle East. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Honeywell, GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce, and Çelebi Aviation, driving growth, global partnerships, and large-scale transformation initiatives.
An accomplished board leader, Dr. Konukcu is Vice President Europe and Board Member of the International Aerospace Women’s Association (IAWA) and serves on the Advisory Board of the Emirates Aviation Business School. She is passionate about advancing diversity, executive leadership, and the future of aviation.
Dr. Konukcu holds a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD, a PhD from Loughborough University, and dual degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Information & Knowledge Management. She is widely recognized for her ability to bridge strategy, commercial growth, and innovation on a global scale.
Mohammed Abu Bakr Farea served as Regional Director of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Middle East Office in Cairo from January 2022 to January 2026, overseeing relations and coordination with regional States, civil aviation bodies, international organizations, UN agencies, and programs operating across the Middle East. With a 40-year passion for aviation, he has built deep expertise through numerous leadership and advisory roles, supporting States in achieving strategic objectives and guiding decision-making aligned with global, regional, and national priorities.
He began his career at Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company, rising to Senior Engineer. With the establishment of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), he became the country’s first Airworthiness Inspector, contributing to the development of the GCAA’s laws and regulations. He later served as Director of Civil Aviation Safety and Security, chaired the Arab States’ Safety Committee, and led the GCC Airworthiness Committee for the Development of Civil Aviation Systems.
He subsequently joined Etihad Airways as Executive Vice President for Security, Safety, and Quality and was elected to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Security Council. He then served as Managing Director of Istithmar World Aviation/Dubai World Group, overseeing domestic and international aviation investments. Later, he was appointed Director of International Affairs and Civil Aviation at the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, managing bilateral air services agreements between partner States. Mr. Abu Bakr is an aeronautical engineer trained in the United Kingdom and holds engineering licenses from the UK, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. He also holds a master’s degree in management from the United States.
Dr. Wen-Chun Tseng is an Assistant Professor in Aviation Management at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore. Her research focuses on sustainable aviation, airline operations, airport management, and data-driven decision-making. She is particularly interested in developing practical solutions that enhance operational efficiency, resilience, and environmental sustainability across the aviation sector.
She is currently leading the Ministry of Education-funded project "Integration of Carbon Offsetting into Carbon Flight Labels: A Path to Sustainable Aviation," which aims to develop a transparent, evidence-based flight emissions labelling framework to support informed passenger decision-making and accelerate aviation decarbonisation. She is also a member of the Awareness and Skills Working Group under the Aviation/Aerospace Australia GreenSkies Committee, contributing to initiatives that strengthen sustainability awareness and workforce capability across the aviation industry.
Her current research focuses on carbon emissions labelling, passenger behaviour, aviation sustainability, and the application of artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve aviation system performance. She has published in leading international transportation and aviation journals and actively collaborates with industry and government partners to translate research into practical solutions for the aviation sector.
Dr Serafeim Tsiakalos is a scholar-practitioner in aviation management, combining 17 years of international industry experience with academic research and teaching. His practice spans airline and airport operations, crisis management, and operational readiness (ORAT) with notable companies including Munich Airport International, Qatar Airways, Fraport, and easyJet, progressing from frontline and network operations to senior advisory on major airport programmes.
He holds a PhD in Management (Resilience Management and Emerging Technologies) from the University of the Aegean. His research examines how organisations in complex, safety-critical environments build and sustain resilience, and how emerging technologies — AI, IoT, and digital twins — both strengthen and threaten that capacity, with a growing publication record in journals including the Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, Transport Economics and Management, and the Journal of Knowledge Management Practice, and peer-review service.
Former Course Director and Lecturer for the MBA and Aviation Management programmes at Coventry University, he is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). He is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and the Chartered Management Institute.
His distinctive contribution lies in bringing operational reality directly into aviation-management scholarship and teaching.
Dr. Yu-Jin Choi is a Researcher at Incheon International Airport Corporation, specializing in airport service quality and passenger experience. She holds a Ph.D. from Korea Aerospace University. Her research includes the development of Incheon Airport's customer experience (CX) model, a study on duty-free shopping behavior, and an analysis of airport incentive policy effectiveness. She also led the Airport Passenger Behavior Characteristics Survey. Her current work draws on this survey data to develop marketing and operational strategies for airport competitiveness
Dr. Attila Sipos, Dr. habil. (ELTE), Adv. LL.M. (Leiden), is a Senior Aerospace Expert at 4iG Space and Defence (4iG S&D) Technologies, Hungary, and a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Aerospace and Telecommunications Law, Ludovika University of Public Service.
He has served as an Honorary/Associate Professor at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) since 2008 and was a faculty member at the University of Sharjah from 2021 to 2024.
Previously, Dr. Sipos was a Bar Association Advisor at the Aviation Division of the Ministry of Defence (HM EI Plc.)between 2018 and 2021. Earlier in his career, he held several senior leadership positions at HungaroControl, the Hungarian Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), including Legal Director, Alliance Director, Deputy CEO, and Senior Advisor to the CEO (2008–2014).
From 2004 to 2007, he served as Hungary's Permanent Representative to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and was elected Vice-President of the ICAO Council from 2006 to 2007.
Prior to this, he held a range of operational and executive positions at MALEV Hungarian Airlines between 1989 and 2004, including Flight Operations Officer, Navigation Officer, Chief Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, and Legal Director.
Dr. Sipos has been a Committee Member of the European Air Law Association (EALA) since 2004. He is the author of five books and more than 30 scholarly publications in aviation and aerospace law. His most recent book, International Aviation Law – Regulations in Three Dimensions, was published by Springer Nature in September 2024.
René Armas Maes is a Strategic Advisor at Forecast International, where he leads the Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast portfolio across commercial aviation, business aviation, helicopters, and military platforms. He brings 20 years of international experience driving revenue growth, commercial strategy, and margin improvement across airlines, business aviation, charter operations, OEMs, and aviation services.
At the 6th International Aviation Management Conference (IAMC 2026) in Dubai, he presents "Airline Premium Seat Capacity as a Demand Proxy: A Corridor Scoring and Capital Allocation Framework for UAE Business Aviation," a market-entry framework for prioritizing capital deployment across UAE business aviation corridors.
A published author with more than 150 articles and market analyses in AvBuyer, FlightGlobal, AeroTime, Forecast International, and REDD Intelligence, René writes on commercial strategy, aviation economics, fleet planning, business restructuring, market intelligence, and capital allocation, and maintains an active business aviation blog.
Throughout his career, he has held senior commercial leadership positions at Airbus, Textron Aviation, and IATA. Earlier, as a consultant with ICF Aviation/SH&E in New York, he advised airline and business aviation clients on strategy and restructuring initiatives including Kuwait Airways, Saudia Airlines, Flynas and RoyalJet Group in Abu Dhabi, UAE – a leading VVIP business aviation operator in the Middle East.
He has chaired and delivered keynotes at industry events such as the Spanish Business Aviation Event (Madrid, 2025) and Aviation Festival Americas (Miami, 2017–2023), and has guest-lectured at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, US and Singapore campuses) and McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
René holds an MBA from the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University.
Malik Almajdalawi is a distinguished expert in international aviation law, regulatory compliance and airworthiness, with extensive experience advising and leading compliance programmes across the civil and military aviation sectors. He currently serves as Program Quality and Compliance Manager for Government Projects at Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Switzerland. Previously, he held the position of Head of the Independent System Monitoring and Compliance Monitoring Manager for Europe at Collins Aerospace, where he worked closely with EASA, FAA, military airworthiness authorities and civil aviation authorities worldwide.
In addition to his industry leadership, Malik is an Honorary Professor of International Aviation Law and a Global Advisory Board Member for Aviation Law and Management at Dhirubhai Ambani University in India. He holds an LL.M. in International Aviation Law from Université Toulouse Capitole and a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. His expertise spans aviation law, certification, regulatory compliance, aviation safety and the governance of emerging technologies in aviation
Dr. Peihong Liu is a recent Ph.D. graduate from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business. His research sits at the intersection of Operations Management and Applied Economics, exploring how firms use information strategically and make decisions under capacity constraint and uncertainty. His dissertation examines the role and value of information in shaping competitive strategies across dynamic and data-driven markets. As a second-generation Dubai resident and a loyal fan of the Emirates, Peihong is passionate about bridging theory with impactful applications in Dubai’s hospitality and aviation industries. He will be joining Emirates Aviation University Faculty of Business Management this August and looks forward to connecting with scholars and practitioners from around the world at Emirates Aviation University.
Mamane Moctar Abdoul Kadri Boube is a Senior Air Traffic Control Officer (Procedural and Radar) and Air Traffic Control Instructor with over 23 years of experience in air traffic management. Since joining ASECNA in 2003, he has contributed to the safety, efficiency, and regularity of air traffic operations, serving at Niamey Area Control Centre (ACC) and currently at Nouakchott Area Control Centre (ACC).
Throughout his career, he has trained numerous cohorts of air traffic control students and conducted competency assessments for qualified air traffic controllers, playing a key role in developing the next generation of aviation professionals.
He holds a Master's degree in Airport and Aeronautical Safety Management and possesses extensive knowledge in Air Navigation Services (ANS), Safety Management Systems (SMS), aviation training, operational performance, and aviation safety oversight. He has completed numerous specialized training programs delivered by ASECNA, ICAO, EUROCONTROL, and ITAérea, covering air traffic management, surveillance technologies, aviation safety, and operational excellence.
His research interests focus on the application of automation to enhance air traffic management safety, reduce human error, and improve operational efficiency.
Mawada Tawfik is an Instructor and Research Assistant in the Faculty of Mathematics and Data Science at Emirates Aviation University, Dubai. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, where her research focuses on applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to real-world challenges across domains such as climate, healthcare, and aviation. Her academic interests include mathematical modelling, data analytics, and machine learning. She is passionate about mathematics and is committed to making artificial intelligence accessible to everyone.
Fatemeh Abdolaziz Sadighi is a PhD candidate in Aviation Management at Emirates Aviation University and an Airport Operations Management Instructor at Qatar Aeronautical Academy. She holds a master's degree in aviation safety management and has experience in aviation education, airport operations, and industry training. Her research focuses on smart cabin technologies, passenger experience, human factors, and digital innovation in commercial aviation. She is particularly interested in exploring how connected cabin technologies and artificial intelligence can enhance passenger comfort, engagement, perceived service quality, and operational effectiveness. Her broader research interests include intelligent aviation systems, human-centred technology adoption, service innovation, and the digital transformation of the air transport industry. Through her academic and professional work, she seeks to contribute to the development of more intelligent, sustainable, and passenger-centric aviation systems.
Mohamed Ali Habiba is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidate in Global Strategic Management – Green and Digital Transition at LUISS Business School, Rome. His academic journey began in literature and the humanities at Alexandria University and has since evolved to encompass business, organizational psychology, and strategic leadership through graduate and professional studies at institutions including Louisiana State University (MBA), the University of Virginia, and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.
Alongside his academic pursuits, Mohamed brings over 20 years of international experience leading organizational transformation across more than 15 countries, including the MENA region. He currently serves as a Senior Manager at Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) in Dubai, where he applies academic insights to address complex organizational challenges. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD), a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a Project Management Professional (PMP).
His doctoral research focuses on digital and green transformation in the aviation and catering sectors, examining how organizations develop the strategies and capabilities required to adopt emerging technologies and implement more sustainable ways of working.
Dr. Vidhya Viswambaran is an Assistant Professor at Emirates Aviation University, Dubai. Her research focuses on renewable energy and the development of intelligent aerospace systems through the integration of Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence. Her recent work investigates sensor fusion architectures, deep reinforcement learning for 3D UAV path planning in dynamic environments and LiDAR driven digital twin airspace modeling for AI based trajectory optimization in urban airspace.
Dr. Vidhya Viswambaran is an Assistant Professor at Emirates Aviation University, Dubai. Her research focuses on renewable energy and the development of intelligent aerospace systems through the integration of Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence. Her recent work investigates sensor fusion architectures, deep reinforcement learning for 3D UAV path planning in dynamic environments and LiDAR driven digital twin airspace modeling for AI based trajectory optimization in urban airspace.
Aviation Trends: Advancements, Regulations, and Sustainability.
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The Future of Aviation: COVID-19 Pandemic and Challenges.
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Lessons Learned, Current Challenges and the Road Ahead.
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Future Challenges and Opportunities.
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Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic cities. An international hub for business, tourism and transport, it attracts residents and visitors from all over the world and is an increasingly popular choice for overseas students. Thanks to its wide range of internationally accredited universities, colleges and training establishments.
Dubai local culture and heritage
| Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis | |
|---|---|
| Stay period | 14 November |
| Stay period | 18 November |
| Length of stay (no of nights per room) | 4* |
| Room Type | Double/Family |
| Rates | AED 290* double/family occupancy *(excluding taxes & fees) |
| Rate Plan | Room + Breakfast |
| Reservations | Please contact IAMC2026@eau.ac.ae to request the hotel booking link. |
*T&C apply.
